In 2026, stonemasons in Australia earn an average of AU$35.83 per hour and approximately $78,596 per year based on reported data from Indeed and PayScale. Pay ranges shift considerably depending on experience level, state, and whether the role is award-based or above-award. This article breaks down stonemason salary benchmarks by experience tier, region, employment type, and apprentice rates — giving you the numbers you need to build competitive offers.
Key Takeaways
- The average stonemason salary in Australia in 2026 is around $78,596 per year on Indeed and AU$35.83 per hour on PayScale, but rates vary by source, region, and experience.
- Entry-level stonemason pay starts around AU$23.01 per hour, while early-career workers with 1–4 years of experience earn around AU$28.06 per hour.
- Experienced stonemasons commonly earn in the low-$60,000s to low-$80,000s, with higher totals possible for senior, specialist, or supervisory roles.
- Senior stonemasons, leading hands, CNC operators, and bridge saw specialists can command above-standard trade rates depending on skill level, location, and employer demand.
- Regional stonemason salaries should be checked against current job ads, as city premiums and remote allowances vary across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, and regional areas.
Stonemason Pay Benchmarks in Australia
Before setting any pay offer, you need a reliable baseline. The stonemason salary benchmarks below reflect current data from Indeed, PayScale, and Jobs and Skills Australia — each measuring slightly different things, so it helps to read them together.
The ABS classifies bricklayers and stonemasons under ANZSCO Unit Group 3311, but employers should use live salary sources and Fair Work tools for current pay benchmarking. That translates to roughly $120,484 annualised at full-time hours — a figure that reflects experienced workers in the dataset more than entry-level hires.
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $78,596 | Indeed (June 2026) |
| Average hourly rate | AU$35.83 | PayScale (2026) |
| Median weekly earnings | $2,317 | Jobs and Skills Australia |
| Entry-level hourly rate | AU$23.01 | PayScale (2026) |
| Early-career hourly rate | AU$27.14 | PayScale (2026) |
Employers use these figures as anchors when drafting contracts, setting pay bands, or reviewing annual remuneration. Offering below AU$35.83 per hour for a fully qualified stonemason will likely cost you candidates in a competitive market.
Stonemason Pay Scale by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest driver of stonemason wages Australia. A worker with two years on the tools earns noticeably less than someone who has spent a decade on complex restoration or CNC fabrication. Here is how the stonemason pay scale by experience breaks down in 2026.
1. Entry-Level (0–1 Year)
Entry-level stonemasons earn from AU$23.01 per hour according to PayScale. At full-time hours, that equates to roughly $47,860 per year. These workers are typically completing or have just finished an apprenticeship.
2. Early-Career (1–3 Years)
Early-career stonemasons with 1–4 years of experience earn around AU$28.06 per hour based on PayScale’s current 2026 data. They handle standard installations and fabrication with minimal supervision.
3. Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Mid-level tradespeople sit closer to the national average of AU$35.83 per hour. Annual earnings typically land between $65,000 and $74,000 depending on specialisation and employer.
4. Experienced (5+ Years)
Experienced stonemason pay commonly sits in the low-$60,000s to low-$80,000s range, with public salary sources showing higher totals for some senior and specialist roles. Many at this level supervise teams or manage complex restoration projects.
5. Master Stonemason or Specialist
Senior stonemasons, leading hands, and CNC or bridge saw specialists often sit above standard trade rates, depending on location, duties, and experience. Some senior stone and CNC-related roles can reach $80,000 to $110,000+ or around $45–$60 per hour in current job ads, depending on the role and employer.
You might be wondering where your current pay structure sits against these tiers. If your rates have not moved since 2023, there is a good chance you are underpaying mid-to-senior workers relative to current market rates.
Regional Stonemason Salaries Across Australia
Location shapes stone mason wages Australia in ways that are easy to underestimate. City-based roles — particularly in Sydney and Melbourne — carry premiums that reflect higher living costs and stronger demand from residential and commercial construction.
Regional stonemason salaries tend to be lower in rural areas, though remote site allowances can partially close the gap. Here is a general guide for employers setting location-adjusted pay.
- Sydney remains a competitive market, but public salary data does not clearly support a blanket 5–10% premium, so employers should compare current Sydney job ads before setting rates.
- Melbourne (VIC): Strong residential construction market; competitive with Sydney for experienced tradespeople.
- Brisbane rates should be checked against current local job ads rather than assumed, especially for senior stonemason, installer, and CNC-related roles.
- Perth (WA): Resources and residential sectors drive demand; above-award rates common for experienced workers.
- Adelaide (SA) and Hobart (TAS): Generally closer to or slightly below the national average; lower cost of living offsets some pay difference.
- Regional and Rural Areas: Base rates may be lower, but site allowances, travel pay, and accommodation can add $5,000–$15,000 annually to total packages.
When benchmarking against regional stonemason salaries, always factor in total remuneration — not just base pay. A stonemason working a regional NSW site may take home more than a Sydney-based peer once allowances are included.
Award vs Above-Award Rates for Stonemasons
Award rates for stonemasons fall under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, administered by the Fair Work Commission. This sets the legal minimum — not the market rate. Many employers in competitive markets pay above-award to attract and retain skilled workers.
The award covers base pay, allowances for tools, travel, and height work, plus overtime and penalty rates. Paying exactly at award level for a senior stonemason in Sydney is unlikely to secure the hire. The gap between award and above-award can be $8,000 to $15,000 annually for experienced workers.
| Pay Type | Typical Range | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Award minimum | Varies by award classification | Apprentices, entry-level, and award-covered roles — check the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool before issuing offers |
| Market average | AU$35.83/hr | Qualified tradespeople, mid-level |
| Above-award | AU$38–$46/hr | Senior, specialist, CNC roles |
Employers offering above-award rates should document this clearly in employment contracts. Noting the award classification alongside the above-award rate protects both parties and simplifies future pay reviews.
Apprentice and Entry-Level Stonemason Pay
Apprentice stonemason wages Australia follow a percentage-of-tradesperson rate structure under the relevant award. Pay increases at each year of the apprenticeship, reflecting growing competence on the job.
Entry-level compensation starts at AU$23.01 per hour for those just finishing an apprenticeship. First-year apprentice rates can sit below qualified stonemason market rates, but employers should avoid quoting a fixed range without checking the current award classification, age, year level, and start date.
- Year 1 apprentice: Approximately 40–50% of the tradesperson rate.
- Year 2 apprentice: Approximately 55–65% of the tradesperson rate.
- Year 3 apprentice: Approximately 75–80% of the tradesperson rate.
- Year 4 apprentice: Approximately 85–90% of the tradesperson rate.
- Newly qualified (0–1 yr): AU$23.01/hr at entry level; rises quickly with demonstrated skill.
Apprentice wages are set by the Fair Work Commission and updated annually. Always check the Fair Work Commission website before issuing an apprentice offer letter to confirm current minimums.
Current Stone Industry Jobs in Australia — Open Roles Worth Knowing About
Understanding stonemason salary benchmarks matters most when you are actively hiring. The roles below reflect real demand across NSW right now, and each one aligns with the pay tiers discussed in this article.
If you are an employer looking to fill positions at competitive rates, these current openings from Dayjob Recruitment give you a direct view of where the market is moving.
Stonemason Installer – Perth, WA
This role is based in Smithfield, Sydney, and focuses on the installation of stone products across residential and commercial projects. It suits a qualified stonemason with hands-on installation experience who is ready to work in a fast-paced Sydney environment.
Stonemason Fabricator – Newcastle
Based in Newcastle, this fabricator role involves cutting, shaping, and finishing stone materials to specification in a workshop setting. It is well-suited to a stonemason with fabrication experience and familiarity with stone processing equipment.
Stonemason Benchtop Installer – NSW
This NSW-based position focuses on the measurement, templating, and installation of stone benchtops in residential properties. The role requires attention to detail and experience working directly with clients on-site.
Stonemason Leading Hand – NSW
The leading hand role in NSW involves supervising a small crew of stonemasons and coordinating daily workflow on active job sites. This position aligns with the experienced stonemason pay tier of $60,000–$82,000 and suits a tradesperson ready to step into a leadership capacity.
Dayjob Recruitment updates stone industry jobs in Australia daily. Browse current openings or contact the team to discuss your hiring needs directly.
How Often Should Employers Review Stonemason Pay?
Pay reviews tied to stonemason salary benchmarks should happen at least once per year. The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages annually, and for 2026 the new minimum wage and award increases apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Beyond the annual award update, consider reviewing pay when a worker changes classification — for example, moving from mid-level to a leading hand role. Market conditions in stone industry jobs in Australia can shift faster than annual cycles, particularly in Sydney and Brisbane.
Here is what to document when issuing or updating a stonemason pay offer:
- The applicable award and classification level (e.g., CW3 under the Building and Construction Award).
- Whether the rate is award-minimum or above-award, and by how much.
- All allowances included — tools, travel, height, or site-specific loadings.
- The review date and the basis for future increases (CPI, award movement, or performance).
- Overtime and penalty rate entitlements, even if rarely triggered.
Keeping these details in writing protects you during audits and builds trust with workers. It also makes future pay reviews faster — you already have the baseline documented.
Dayjob Recruitment works with employers across NSW and nationally to match stonemason candidates to roles at the right pay level. The team understands award classifications, above-award market rates, and how to present offers that attract qualified tradespeople. Learn more about how Dayjob works or submit a vacancy to get started.
Final Thoughts on Stonemason Salary Benchmarks
The 2026 stonemason salary benchmarks give employers a clear, data-backed foundation for building competitive pay offers. Rates range from AU$23.01 for entry-level workers to $95,000-plus for master stonemasons and CNC specialists. Reviewing pay annually against award updates and live market data keeps your offers relevant and your workforce stable.
Dayjob Recruitment specialises in stonemason hiring across Australia, helping employers benchmark and secure top trade talent. Our Replacement Guarantee protects every permanent placement at no extra cost. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
What Is the Average Salary for a Stonemason?
In Australia, stonemasons typically earn around $80,000–$110,000 per year, with experienced or specialist stonemasons (e.g., engineered-stone alternatives, complex fabrication, high-end install) often reaching $115,000–$140,000+ depending on location, overtime, and allowances. Dayjob Recruitment benchmarks pay against live manufacturing and construction vacancies to help employers stay competitive.
How Much Do Stonemasons Make per Hour?
Most stonemasons are paid about $38–$55 per hour, with leading hands, high-risk site work, regional premiums, and overtime pushing rates to $60–$75+ per hour in some cases. Employers commonly need to factor in penalties, travel, and tool allowances when setting an all-in hourly rate.
What Factors Affect a Stonemason’s Salary?
Key drivers include experience level, trade qualifications, type of work (factory fabrication vs. onsite install), material specialisation, ability to read shop drawings/CAD outputs, tickets (e.g., forklift, dogging/rigging), safety compliance, overtime/shift patterns, and local labour demand. Dayjob Recruitment screens for these skill factors to align pay with productivity and retention.
Which States or Regions Pay Stonemasons the Most?
Higher pay is most common in major metro markets and high-demand project regions—typically Sydney/NSW and Melbourne/VIC for volume and premium residential, and parts of WA/QLD when major construction activity tightens labour supply. Regional and remote roles can also pay above metro rates due to travel and scarcity.
How Does a Stonemason’s Salary Compare to a Bricklayer or Mason?
Stonemasons often earn similar to or slightly more than bricklayers, particularly when the role involves precision fabrication, premium installs, or specialist materials; bricklayers may match or exceed earnings on high-output sites with strong piecework or overtime. For employers, the best comparison is total cost-to-hire (base rate plus allowances, overtime, and productivity), which Dayjob Recruitment can validate against current market listings.
